Judging by the volume of reaction to last week's investigation into speed ramps, there is widespread concern among motorists.

Reaction focused not just on the damage they can do to cars, but more generally on the lack of a common, coherent approach from those who decide to put them there in the first place.

One Dalkey reader summed up what a lot of others were saying: "I would point out that even in our area there is no commonality in the design or construction of these ramps.

"The rise/fall angles and overall height varies greatly as does the length of the top."

He added: "The spectacular lack of design competence, as to the desirable outcome of ramps that only cause damage when taken at excessive speed, seems beyond public servants. Inexcusable in my view, as there is more than sufficient information in the public domain to enable even a secondary schoolchild to sketch out the required 'obstruction' without destructing the national fleet."

A family from the midlands won't be buying a new house as a result of a ramp. "There is a major speed bump ... with the result that I had to decide I could not be crawling in and out over this thing several times a day. Even by crawling, my car is still scraping the ramp and unfortunately I will not be changing my car in the foreseeable future. Can you believe that it deters me from buying a house there? What is the country coming to?"

Another reader asked: "I wonder how many of these 'terrors' comply with the regulations?"

A rural driver told us: "There was a clear lack or consistency with the ramps within the same installation. They lacked consistency in projection from left to right and in other areas such as depth and coverage etc."

Not everyone was in agreement: "I would estimate that 75pc of drivers do not slow down as they approach ramps.

"The same people don't obey speed limits. Great news for the motor repairers."

That's just a small taste of what people were saying.

The volume of response took us by surprise. There is no doubting how major an issue it is with a huge range of drivers. Which is why it features this week again.

At time of writing, Dublin City Council had not responded to our written questions.

Lest we forget why ramps are needed

Eddie Cunningham

IN the midst of all the frustration, criticism and emotion about ramps, it is vital we should remember that, regardless of structure, size or dimensions, speed ramps are designed to slow people down.

The mere fact of their existence on a stretch of road, regardless of location, should send the strongest of signals that drivers need to drive much more slowly.

If you drive more slowly, it stands to reason you will do far less damage to your car.

More importantly you are likely to do far less damage to other road users.